Differences in Qirā’āt as the Basis for Diversity in Qur’anic Interpretation

2026-08-10T02:10:27+00:00

The diversity of qirā’āt has long been recognized as an integral component of the Qur’anic transmission tradition and has played a significant role in shaping the richness of Qur’anic interpretation. However, its function as an epistemological basis for interpretive diversity has not received sufficient attention in many contemporary studies, which tend to focus on the technical aspects of recitation. This study aims to examine the role of authentic qirā’āt in generating interpretive diversity and to explain its position within the framework of ‘Ulūm al-Tafsīr. This research employs a qualitative library research design using content analysis of primary sources on qirā’āt and Qur’anic exegesis, complemented by relevant classical and contemporary scholarly literature. The analysis demonstrates that differences among authentic qirā’āt extend beyond phonetic variation and significantly influence lexical meaning, grammatical construction, legal reasoning, and theological interpretation. These variations provide exegetes with multiple yet equally authoritative textual perspectives, enabling a broader understanding of Qur’anic messages without compromising the integrity of the Qur’anic text. The study further reveals that classical and contemporary mufassirs consistently integrate authentic qirā’āt with linguistic analysis, contextual interpretation, and prophetic traditions to construct comprehensive interpretations of Qur’anic verses. Therefore, interpretive diversity arising from qirā’āt should be understood as a manifestation of the Qur’an’s linguistic depth and semantic richness rather than as a source of contradiction.

Nurcholish Madjid Desacralization and Contemporary Religious Authority

2026-10-04T04:27:58+00:00

Nurcholish Madjid’s concept of desacralization emerged from his concern over the tendency to treat human interpretations, religious authorities, and worldly interests as sacred and absolute. This issue remains relevant to contemporary religious life, particularly in the cult of religious figures and the use of religious identity in political competition. This study aims to analyze the foundations of Madjid’s concept of desacralization and examine its relevance to contemporary religious authority and identity politics. The study employs a qualitative approach through library research using a descriptive-analytical method. The primary source is Nurcholish Madjid’s Islam, Doctrine and Civilization, supported by relevant scholarly literature on desacralization, religious authority, and identity politics. The study finds that Madjid’s desacralization operates through two related mechanisms: desacralizing human authority and distinguishing religious values from contingent political interests. The first mechanism places religious figures, their interpretations, and intellectual products within the realm of human and relative authority, thereby allowing them to be examined critically rather than treated as absolute. The second mechanism separates Islamic religious values from political interests, preventing political choices, institutions, and identities from acquiring religious legitimacy simply through the use of religious symbols.

FiTUA: JURNAL STUDI ISLAM

Differences in Qirā’āt as the Basis for Diversity in Qur’anic Interpretation

Nurcholish Madjid Desacralization and Contemporary Religious Authority